Blind Low Vision NZ

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Blind Low Vision NZ

We provide emotional and practical support, so that people who are blind, deafblind or have low vision can keep working and living independently.

Blind Low Vision NZ Community Guidelines

At Blind Low Vision NZ, we’re proud to foster a supportive, respectful, and inclusive community, both online and offline. We encourage open discussion and value your thoughts, experiences, and feedback. To ensure our spaces remain welcoming and safe for everyone, we ask that all participants follow our community guidelines. Respectful and Inclusive Conduct
We believe in treating everyone with kindness and respect. Please avoid making comments or posts that are:

• Abusive, bullying, or threatening
• Use ablest language
• Racist, sexist, homophobic, or discriminatory in any way
• False, defamatory, or misleading
• Containing profanity or hate speech
• Off-topic, irrelevant, or spam
• Sharing confidential, personal, or sensitive information
Our Online Platforms

We want our online platforms to be safe and enjoyable for everyone. While we encourage discussion, any comments containing profanity, hate speech, bullying, or other inappropriate content will be hidden or removed. If an individual repeatedly posts comments that breach these guidelines, we reserve the right to remove or block that person from our page. We also follow the principles of the Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015 (New Zealand) and the policies of each platform we use. Posts that violate these standards will be reported and removed. Privacy and Security
To protect your privacy, please avoid sharing any personal or sensitive information in public comments or messages. For any personal matters or feedback, please contact us directly through our official channels. Representation and Feedback

We welcome constructive feedback and diverse perspectives. However, posts and comments made by members of the public do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Blind Low Vision NZ. If you see content on any of our platforms that you believe violates these guidelines, please report it to us so we can take appropriate action. Thank you for being part of our community and for helping us maintain a safe and respectful environment for everyone.

16/03/2026

What’s better than one litter announcement? Two litter announcements! 🐾

We’re excited to share that the J litter arrived back in October. Proud parents Dam Dotti and Sire Arlo welcomed eight pups into the world, four girls and four boys. One of these pups is being raised by Assistance Dogs NZ 😊

Then in February, Dam Judy had three pups. Sire Fonzy is dad to Lou (part of the K litter), and Sire Elvis is dad to Lulu and Leah.

It’s been a busy time at our Breeding Centre! Stay tuned to watch these little ones’ grow up! 💛

[Image one] A golden guide dog puppy named Jesse, sits on a blue rug against a grey concrete block wall. The puppy is wearing a black training harness.
[Image two] A golden guide dog puppy named Joe, sits on a blue rug against a grey concrete block wall. The puppy is wearing a black training harness.
[Image three] A black guide dog puppy named Jolie, sits on a blue rug against a grey concrete block wall. The puppy is wearing a black training harness.
[Image four] A black guide dog puppy named Juno, sits on a blue rug against a grey concrete block wall. The puppy is wearing a black training harness.
[Image five] A black guide dog puppy named Janie, sits on a blue rug against a grey concrete block wall. The puppy is wearing a black training harness.
[Image six] A white guide dog puppy named Jasmine, sits on a blue rug against a grey concrete block wall. The puppy is wearing a black training harness.
[Image seven] A cream guide dog puppy named Jeddah, sits on a blue rug against a grey concrete block wall. The puppy is wearing a black training harness.
[Image eight] A black guide dog puppy named Lulu, sits on a blue rug against a grey concrete block wall. The puppy is wearing a black training harness.
[Image nine] A cream guide dog puppy named Leah, sits on a blue rug against a grey concrete block wall. The puppy is wearing a black training harness.
[Image ten] A black guide dog puppy named Lou, sits on a blue rug against a grey concrete block wall. The puppy is wearing a black training harness.

13/03/2026

The wait is over! Our Shining a Light on Blindness report is officially live 🎉

Our Policy and Advocacy team has pulled together national data to show how the life outcomes of Kiwis who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision compare with others in Aotearoa.

This data is a powerful tool for change. It highlights where our community needs better services and provides evidence to shape policies for a more inclusive future in health, education, and employment.

We are so excited to see what changes this information will bring! 💛

Check out the full report here: https://bit.ly/4r2P7x5

[Image description] Image of six Blind Low Vision NZ clients and two guide dogs standing together. Below, a large yellow curve with black bold text reads, "Shining a Light on Blindness: An Analysis of Outcomes for Working Age New Zealanders who are Blind and Visually Impaired."

13/03/2026

Friday Floof recap! Here’s what our guide dogs have been up to this week 💛

Zazu discovered bubbles for the first time, Yumi and Elsie have become roomies and besties, and Xavier and Yeti have been practising their chair targeting skills!

Hope you all have a great weekend 🐾

[Image one] Best friends, Tony and Uno, two guide dogs in training, play with a toy rope in the Development Centre. Both are looking at the camera with happy expressions.
[Image two] Vinnie, a black guide dog in training, rests in his room at the Development Centre with a bone in his mouth.
[Image three] Zazu, a cream coloured guide dog in training, sits on the ground in the Development Centre, surrounded by bubbles. He has a confused look on his face!
[Image four] Zeus, a black guide dog in training, lays on some new bedding in the Development Centre, whilst looking at the camera with a serious expression.
[Image five] Xavier, a black guide dog in training, rests his head on a chair whilst practicing chair targeting.
[Image six] Yeti, a white coloured guide dog in training, rests his head on a chair whilst practicing chair targeting.
[Image seven] Venice, a cream coloured guide dog in training, runs through the free run with her ears flapping everywhere.
[Image eight] New roommates and besties, Yumi and Elsie, rest in a crate for their midday nap.
[Image nine] Wren, a black guide in training, sits on her bed in the Development Centre whilst smiling at the camera.
[Image ten] Day stay pup Frida runs through the enrichment pool on a sunny day, smiling with ears flapping everywhere!

12/03/2026

It’s World Glaucoma Day!

Today we’re shining a light on one of the most common eye conditions in Aotearoa. Because when it comes to your eye health, knowledge really is power!

If it’s been a while since your last eye test, take this as your reminder to book one in! Your future self will thank you 💛

[Image one] Bold black text on a bright yellow background reads: "4 Glaucoma facts you probably didn’t know."
[Image two] Black text on a yellow background reads: "Glaucoma New Zealand estimates that over 100,000 Kiwis have the condition, but only about half are aware of it." Below, a circular cutout shows a person having their eye scanned by an ophthalmic machine.
[Image three] Black text on a yellow background reads: "It is the second most common cause of blindness and partial sight amongst Kiwis over the age of 65." A black box at the bottom features yellow text: "Glaucoma affects 7.1% of Blind Low Vision NZ clients."
[Image four] Black text on yellow background reads: "Glaucoma isn’t just one condition. There are different types, including:" followed by a list (Primary open-angle, Acute angle-closure, Secondary, and Childhood) paired with yellow magnifying glass icons in black squares.
[Image five] Bold black heading reads "Glaucoma can be managed!" on a yellow background. Below, text explains that while incurable, early detection and treatments like drops, laser, or surgery help protect vision.

06/03/2026

Ethan + Jack = The ultimate dream team 💛

Whether he’s performing Kapa Haka, navigating university life, or catching up with mates, Ethan has never let his vision loss slow him down. But when he met Jack just after his 21st birthday, his world opened up in a whole new way.

“It was like I grew wings,” Ethan says.

Today this unstoppable duo tackles busy streets and new adventures together every single day. We are so proud to share their story as part of our Guide Dog Puppy Appeal 2026, shining a light on the incredible partnerships your support makes possible!

[Video description] Ethan, a young man with brown hair, and his cream-coloured guide dog, Jack, navigate busy Hamilton streets, relax in local parks, and spend time at Ethan’s home.

06/03/2026

Caption this photo... 😂

Happy Friday Floof everyone! This week we’ve had Iona and Harriet spend their first night in the development centre, while Tui has been adjusting to the colder mornings!

Hope you all have a fab weekend ahead 💛

[Image one] Vale, a black guide dog in training, licks his sister Venice’s ear while she looks at the camera with disgust 😂
[Image two] Yakira, a cream guide dog in training, lays on her back in between her trainers legs whilst smiling with her tongue out!
[Image three] The girls! Black guide dogs in training Elsie, Esme, Gemini and Gabby sit together in the development centre looking at the camera.
[Image four] Two guide dogs in training, Harriet (cream) and Gemini (black) sit together on a wooden bridge, looking at the camera.
[Image five] Dotti, a cream guide dog in training, swims with a lifejacket on at the MPI pool.
[Image six] Tui, a black guide dog in training, stays warm under a big grey blanket on her bed in the development centre.
[Image seven] Ralph, a black guide dog in training, enjoys a sunny afternoon nap in his trainers arms.
[Image eight] Yannick, a black guide dog in training, lays on a patch of grass smiling with his tongue out.
[Image nine] Gemini, a black guide dog in training, runs through the enrichment pool with a big smile!
[Image ten] Yeti, a cream coloured guide dog in training, lies on the grass in the free run with his tongue out and a big smile.

02/03/2026

Function > fashion every day!

While they may look a little funny, booties are essential for keeping our guide dogs safe on the job 🐾

Remember to keep your pup paw-tected by checking the pavement with the back of your hand, if you can’t hold it for five seconds, it’s time for some shade… or some booties! 😎

[Image description] A comparison of two photos of guide dogs. The top photo shows a Verona, a black guide dog wearing a grey cap with the text "Accessories for fashion" and a red cross. The bottom photo shows a Trish, white guide dog wearing protective black booties with the text "Accessories for safety" and a green tick.

27/02/2026

Keeping your home safe just got easier! 💛

We are kicking off a new series sharing the best resources and accessible services for our community, and first up is one for everyone!

If you have ever wondered whether your smoke alarms are in the right spot or if they even work, this is for you! Fire and Emergency NZ offers a free 30-minute home safety check. They’ll walk through your home, test your alarms, replace any that are not working, and even provide and install new ones if you need them at no cost!

To book, simply head to: www.fireandemergency.nz ✨

[Image description] A bright yellow background with black text that reads, "Get your free home safety check!" A circular inset photo in the bottom right corner shows a white smoke alarm on a ceiling. A black banner across the bottom left contains the text "Community Resource Guide" in yellow.

27/02/2026

When you wake up and realise it's Friday 🤪

Happy Friday Floof everyone, hope you all have a great weekend ahead!

[Image one] Cam, a golden guide dog in training, lays on the floor at guide dogs with his tongue hanging out and a silly expression on his face.
[Image two] Yakira and Esme, two guide dogs in training, sit in the enrichment pool area at guide dogs, Yakira is looking at the camera whilst Esme is looking at the sky.
[Image three] Tui, a black guide dog in training, sits on the ground at guide dogs with a toy in front of her, looking at the camera.
[Image four] Gertie, a black guide dog in training, stands in the enrichment pool on a sunny day, whilst looking at the camera.
[Image five] Cam and his girls! Cam sits upright in the centre, while two black guide dogs in training, Gertie and Gwen, rest on the floor on either side of him. All three are looking at the camera, smiling.
[Image six] Vermont, black guide dog in training, stands in the guide dogs wash station with a snood on her head.
[Image seven] Happy boy Uno, a golden guide dog in training, sits happily on some grass whilst smiling at the camera,
[Image eight] Zeus, a black guide dog in training, sits with his harness on in the supermarket, looking at the camera.
[Image nine] Cam, Gertie and Gwen, three guide dogs in training, sit happily on some grass, smiling at the camera,

24/02/2026

How do the life outcomes of the blind and low vision community truly compare to others in Aotearoa?

That’s the question behind our latest research project, led by our Policy and Advocacy Analyst, Cain Richardson.

Cain has brought together the Shining a Light on Blindness report, using anonymised national data to compare life outcomes for people who are blind or have low vision with those who aren’t. For a community that can often feel overlooked, seeing lived experiences reflected in real data is powerful.

This research will help ground policy decisions in evidence and informs better service design across health, education and employment. With political parties currently shaping their disability strategies ahead of the election, this work couldn’t be more timely or important.

The full report drops on 27 February. For now, you can give the podcast a listen here: https://youtu.be/qOLVr3HbKfM

[VD] Cain, a Policy and Advocacy Analyst at Blind Low Vision NZ, sits in an office with headphones on, talking to the camera.

20/02/2026

Do you have a minute to learn about our exciting new Alexa project? 💛

Hear from Nigel, our Head of Technology and Accessibility, as he shares how this new AI project could change the way our clients use Alexa.

The goal is simple: to make conversations with Alexa easier, more natural, and more intuitive. By moving away from rigid commands, everyday tasks like finding a book or asking for recommendations become quicker and feel far more seamless. This project is currently in its second phase and expected to be completed within the next 6 to 12 months, so watch this space! 👀

A big shoutout to our friends at InternetNZ for funding the first phase of this project, we couldn't have done it without you!\

[Video description] Nigel, head of technology and accessibility at Blind Low Vision NZ sits on an orange couch, discussing our new Alexa project. Black bold text throughout the video reads:
Screen one: "Nigel and his team have been working on a cutting edge Alexa project."
Screen two: "This project uses AI integration to make Alexa easier and more intuitive to use."
Screen three: " Phase one of this project is already showing results... cutting the time to access a book on Alexa by 50%."

20/02/2026

And this week on Friday Floof… 🐾

New couple alert! Move over Vinnie and Trish, Walter and Yoshi are the new it duo at Guide Dogs! 💕

A few pups took a dip in the pool this week. Vermont and Ralph tied for best swimmer of the day and Verona took home most improved! 😂

Hope everyone has a fab weekend!

[Image one] Verona, a black guide dog in training, sits in her life jacket by the pool, looking at the camera.
[Image two] Vermont, a black guide dog in training, swims in his life jacket for the first time!
[Image three] Walter and Yoshi, two guide dogs in training, cuddle together on the floor at Guide Dogs.
[Image four] Tony, a black guide dog in training, lounges on his bed with a blue towel draped over his head, looking at the camera.
[Image five] Vinnie, a black guide dog in training, snuggles up to his best friend Trish, a white guide dog in training, on the bed.
[Image six] Ralph, a black guide dog in training, sits on the free run whilst looking at the camera with a surprised expression.
[Image seven] Vinnie, Tony, Verona, and Tully, four black guide dogs in training, sit happily on the free run looking at the camera, while Tui, another black guide dog in training, sits in the background.
[Image eight] Verona, a black guide dog in training, stands in her room at guide dogs, with a silver bowl in her mouth.
[Image nine] Tyler and Ralph, two guide dogs in training, run through the free run, sharing a green toy in their mouth,
[Image ten] Yoshi and Yeti, two guide dogs in training, run through the free run side by side with their tongues flying everywhere!

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Opening Hours

Monday	08:30 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:30 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:30 - 17:00
Thursday	08:30 - 17:00
Friday	08:30 - 17:00

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+64800243333

Website

https://blindlowvision.org.nz/?utm_source=FB&utm_medium=organic, https://blindlowvision.org.nz/our-services/guide-dog-se

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Our Story

Every day, an average of six New Zealanders turn to Blind Low Vision NZ (formerly Blind Foundation) for support with sight loss.

Some are still reeling and are looking for emotional support; many want to find ways to remain self-reliant, to stay in work and get around independently. All want to find ways of doing the things that are important to them.

Blind Low Vision NZ is here to provide practical and emotional support, to advocate for inclusive communities and lead the way in vision rehabilitation.

Our vital work helping people with sight loss is only possible thanks to the generous support of the public.

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